EU budget 2017 approved: 6 billion euros to tackle migration crisis, terrorism

The budget earmarks 157.86 billion euros ($167.82 billion) for programmes and projects spanning more than one year, compared to commitments of 155 billion euros in 2016.

The European Parliament on Thursday adopted spending by the European Union of nearly 158 billion euros for 2017, including a hefty increase to tackle the migration crisis and terrorism.

A file picture of the European Union flag is seen on a sunny day and blue sky at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany. (Reuters)

The 28-nation EU’s elected assembly approved the 2017 budget by 438 votes for, 194 against and seven abstentions.

The budget earmarks 157.86 billion euros ($167.82 billion) for programmes and projects spanning more than one year, compared to commitments of 155 billion euros in 2016.

The European Council, which groups the member states, said the 2017 budget includes six billion euros -- 11.3 percent more than in 2016 -- to help tackle the migration crisis and security.

For the last year or so, the EU has been faced with the biggest migration influx since World War II, with more than one million people entering the bloc to flee war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.

Europe has also faced a wave of jihadist attacks in France, Belgium and Germany that has left more than 200 people dead since January 2015.

They will also boost protection on Europe’s borders and aid crime prevention and counter-terrorism activities.